Drive wheels could lock up at any speed—what every driver needs to know
Imagine you’re driving down the highway at 75 mph when suddenly—BANG—the wheels lock up with no warning. It’s a frightening scenario that’s now at the center of a major safety recall from General Motors.
The Recall Just Got Bigger
GM has expanded a previously announced recall to include more than 500,000 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous transmission defect. The issue stems from a faulty control valve in the 10-speed automatic transmission, which can wear prematurely and cause erratic shifting or, in extreme cases, full wheel lock-up during driving.
Newly Affected Models
The latest expansion adds 90,081 vehicles to the original recall list. Here’s what’s included:
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Chevrolet Camaro (2020–2022): 50,147 vehicles
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Cadillac CT5 (2020–2021): 27,097 vehicles
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Cadillac CT6 (2019–2020): 10,602 vehicles
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Cadillac CT4 (2020–2021): 2,235 vehicles
These join the previously recalled Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac full-size pickups and SUVs with diesel engines.
What’s the Risk?
The control valve issue causes internal pressure loss in the transmission. While this can lead to harsh shifting, in the worst cases it can result in the vehicle’s drive wheels locking up unexpectedly.
GM has received 115 field reports related to the issue, including one incident tied to an accident. No injuries have been reported so far.
How GM Plans to Fix It
The fix involves a software update that detects excessive valve wear roughly 10,000 miles before potential failure. If detected, the system will:
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Trigger a check engine light
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Limit transmission functionality to fifth gear
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Prompt the driver to schedule service immediately
What Happens Next
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Dealers have already been notified of the recall
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Owner notifications begin April 21, 2025
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The recall applies only to vehicles with GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission. There is currently no word on whether additional gas-powered models will be added in the future
Bottom Line
While GM is taking proactive steps to address the issue, the risk of sudden wheel lock-up is serious. If your vehicle is on the list—or you think it might be—watch for the official recall notice and take action promptly.
Source: AutoGuide, Michael Accardi